The National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls (NCIFIWG) held its first organizing meeting in New York City on December 2015. Since then, the Council has convened organizing meetings in New York City, Atlantic City, Philadelphia, Los Angeles and on Saturday, April 23, 2016 in Washington, DC. Thousands of formerly incarcerated women and girls have participated in the meetings. The Council is engaging formerly incarcerated and currently incarcerated women and girls in federal and state prisons, county and state jails, and immigrant detention centers.

The National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls supports the work of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated women and girls who are contributing to changing the criminal justice system by working individually or within organizations. Members support one another by sharing their knowledge and powerful experiences. Council members know firsthand the impact of the current criminal justice policies. We know the realities of incarceration, the many hurdles women face after returning home, and what changes are necessary to shift the system to one based on human dignity and social justice.

By bringing together policy makers, academics, researchers, and the public in dialogue with Council members, we strive to ensure that when policies, laws, practices, organizing and services about women and girls who are or were incarcerated are decided upon, our voices and ideas are included. Our mantra is “Nothing about us, without us!” This is a big goal. We believe it is attainable. Through connecting with each other and freely sharing information, insights and strengths, we can create the opportunities to have our voices heard and collectively build new and just policies grounded in human rights.

Sign up on email list. Come to an event. Become a member (free). Together we are strong!